Pakistan wants to reduce its disproportionate dependence on China, hence why it prefers for Russia to modernize its resource infrastructure instead of China, which aligns with US strategic goals.
I also think what we are seeing here is a global re-alignment.
I can imagine a world 30 years from now—from China to India to Russia to the Middle East, and maybe as far as Africa with its own self-sufficient network—with most of the world's natural resources, production capabilities, and people.
Essentially, a world within the world. At that point, engagement with the U.S., Europe, Japan, etc., may be preferred but not required.
I am not making a point for or against it—merely pointing out what I believe to be a long-term trend.
QUESTIONS: (1) Can it be Pakistan leaders try to copy Erdogan's playbook? (2) I don't see Russia wanting or needing any natural resources from Pakistan. At most, Russians can be the investment banker when we look at only the business side. Historically, Pakistan does not like repaying the loans. (3) The only viable option for Russia, IMHO, is to build a trade corridor to India. This would benefit both Russia and India, hence likely objected to by Pakistan and the USA. What else does Russia gain?
OPINION: Maybe Trump will try to drag Russia closer such that Russia will increase the distance to China a little bit. Even without USA explicitly meddling, Russia seems to have taken the action already based on what can be observed from the Russian point of view.
Great article.
I also think what we are seeing here is a global re-alignment.
I can imagine a world 30 years from now—from China to India to Russia to the Middle East, and maybe as far as Africa with its own self-sufficient network—with most of the world's natural resources, production capabilities, and people.
Essentially, a world within the world. At that point, engagement with the U.S., Europe, Japan, etc., may be preferred but not required.
I am not making a point for or against it—merely pointing out what I believe to be a long-term trend.
QUESTIONS: (1) Can it be Pakistan leaders try to copy Erdogan's playbook? (2) I don't see Russia wanting or needing any natural resources from Pakistan. At most, Russians can be the investment banker when we look at only the business side. Historically, Pakistan does not like repaying the loans. (3) The only viable option for Russia, IMHO, is to build a trade corridor to India. This would benefit both Russia and India, hence likely objected to by Pakistan and the USA. What else does Russia gain?
OPINION: Maybe Trump will try to drag Russia closer such that Russia will increase the distance to China a little bit. Even without USA explicitly meddling, Russia seems to have taken the action already based on what can be observed from the Russian point of view.